More than 75 students gathered near the Hub to debate religion Monday.

Tom Short, a born-again Christian from Columbus, Ohio, spoke about his views on Christianity with a heated crowd of students.

Short argued there are two ways to get to heaven — to be perfect or be forgiven of sins.

“I am one who has acknowledged that I have failed,” Short said.

The Bible may have been written as a fairy tale — the writers can either be telling the truth or are bald-faced liars, said Duane Long, senior in psychology

“I’m an atheist, and have yet to hear a logical argument for anything he is saying,” Long said.

Sara Rieger, junior in art and design, said all claims by Jesus were radical. Jesus was either a liar, crazy or telling the truth, she argued.

“I think if we look at Jesus and what he said, he can’t be a moral teacher,” Rieger said.

Kyle Poorman, senior in history, said debates are an intricate part of learning.

The debate of religion is an excellent way to educate students, he said.

“I don’t agree with [Tom Short’s] rhetoric because I believe living a life of acceptance and love is the best way to live,” Poorman said. “I do not believe that one must accept Christ in their heart to live an excellent life.”

Poorman said he believed Short’s main message was to profess his faith to convert others.

Ann Wiltgen, sophomore in political science, said the debate on Christianity can be frustrating because she believes it’s an extremely one-sided argument.

“It’s more important to be a good person when it comes to spirituality,” Wiltgen said.

Ev Cherrington, 104 Date Ct., said Short has been preaching his message for 23 years. The main goal of such campus ministries is to get the word out about Christianity in order to save people, he said.

Short will be speaking about his beliefs at 8 p.m. Tuesday in Carver Hall.

He is sponsored by The Rock Ministry at Stonebrook Community Church, 3611 Eisenhower Ave.